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Fetzer Institute Resources Using Science to Prevent Violence Using Science to Prevent Violence

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Recent Activity.

After many weeks a meeting was held in the seaview CPLC office with the residents and the new SP Clifton incharge of Clifton Town including Gizri Police station. The recent spate of dacoities was discussed by residents. Two cases one of kidnapping of a lady for ransom in which her driver was involved and a recent dacoity by a cook who was employed by the resident fo last 6 years was discussed.
Another case in which a highly influential,powerful Pir's son who took up many guards with guns against seaview residents to harass a person whose car was bieng vandalised by his son and who was just asking the son to refrain was also discussed.
The SP Mr. Tariq was of the view that without proper registeration of servants with the police they cannot very efficiently trace the culprits. He said that out of 6000 forms for registeration in phase 5 of Defence, he did not get any response.The CPLC seaview also has from time to time asked the residents to register the servants and drivers, chowkidars with police in order to curb crime but the response is equally poor. It seems that the residents do lack trust in police and think that they will make it a mechanism for corruption. This issue has to be solved somehow as registeration will definitely curb the activity of crime .The registeration can be done in a non-police forum as with residents' societies, clubs etc so that a record is available which will help in investigation.CPLC can be a focal ,lead group in this activity.
The seaview residents and those inDarakhshan and seafacing phase 6 should contact CPLC, seaview , for registeration. 03335327626,and the persons are available at sea view chowki every evening.
The issue about the threatening attitude of people of influence with their guards and guns to residents should be discussed with police higher ups at a level where they can approach the political government for support against such elements. The right of ordinary citizens to safeguard their property and home without threats to bieng killed by generally feudal, landed, rich and powerful should be safegurded and brought to light by media and human rights organisations.
There should be a provision in the residents society charter to take up this issue with administration and build public pressure against such individuals and groups.
The inability of the police to safeguard and side up with the citizen and remain silent in such cases will only be removed if they know that the societies and people will hold police higher ups accountable.
The cameras in entry and exit points of Defence as was planned has to be installed immediately for monitoring of crime.
Right now the main issue of servants' registeration should be solved as soon as possible.

Meeting Of Support Comittee

A meeting for support group committee took place in April ,in which it was decided to follow the white corolla case by a lawyer, collect the correct information and provide it to public and keep the pressure up on the administration to follow the case legally to its logical conclusion.
The members decided to gather more support amongst parliamentarians in persuance of the issue. The local police officer was however not very cooperative in providing information.

The next meeting will be held after collection of information ,meanwhile see Ms Aisha's report on this issue on http://www.thenews.compk/print1.asp?id=171037

The MNA concerned has provided information that she has met the CCPO and followed the case. A meting with her in detail will be held and information provided to residents.

An introductory meeting of Houswives Group and other women

A meeting is scheduled for the ladies of Defence ,Karachi to introduce them to the group for crises support. As scheduled a presentation by WAR ( war against rape) an organisation working in the field of sexual assault victim's help for the last twenty or so years will be made. The idea is to get the feedback and suggestions from the participants as to how they see the issue of violence against women, spread awareness, create inroads in community so that they find safe places or a listening ear and seek help. The dilemma is that people inspite of having financial means in upper middle and rich populations are not addressing these issues and are not seeking help. These topics bieng taboo many women and children, and their families suffer silently. As our support group aims to provide help and information this first meeting is only the begining. A large residents association has already published our objectives in their current newsletter.

Crises Support Group On Google Groups

I have formed a new group,for support activity. Please visit crises-health-and-support-group on google groups.The group e mail is crises-health-and-support-group@googlegroups.com .
The thread for discussion is open. You can post your questions on e mail and confidential dedicated answers will be given.

AIMS And OBJECTIVES of CRISES SUPPORT CORE GROUP for DEFENCE RESI

http://networkofwomenpakistan.blogspot.com

Violence against women and children

Violence against women and children.

Pakistan has entered 21 st century ,many things have improved and changed for the better. However, the issues of violence against women and children; rape,sexual assault and honor killings remain a dark mark and supposedly unsolvable till such time our political will takes precedence over all prejudices, stigmas, taboos and notions of honor and make us counted in civilized societies and countries of the world.

In Canada, there is avast network of crises centers, support groups, helplines and community services which help victims, survivors and families deal with such situations effectively. Information about such facilities is provided to everyone as a matter of right to information. Resultantly, instead of such cases becoming a burden on resources such a spolice ,the timely and appropriate help is delivered.

In our country we lack the comprehensive services such as crises centers, support groups violent crime referral services and therefore the victim or survivor either goes to police directly and unwillingly or does not seek help at all. This neither helps the society or the state a sincidences of violent crimes only increase if not appropriately checked.The approach towards management of violent crimes is nip in the bud and not a swhen reported only.

Various NGO’s working in this field in Pakistan have already done a lot of research and homework in this field and a re ready for implementing plans and mechanisms for immediate actions. Organisations like War against Rape, are providing services such as legal, counseling and support of survivors, lodging an FIR, getting the medico legal done etc., since the last 20 years. Other NGO’s are also active in policy formulating guidelines ,strategies ,collecting data, social action etc.

As is evident from the recent increase in violent crimes cases in DHA, Clifton ares of Karachi in which the victims are not coming forth for effectve control of crime, it has become apparent that we address this immediately at a community level also.

We have set up a crises support group for DHA residents and wish to inform them that a dedicated core group of contact persons will be available for support and help in any cases of violence including assault, abuse, sexual harassment

,rape and honor. This crises support group will provide alistening ear, initial medical help, information regarding collection of evidence, referral to appropriate hospitals,other help by police, administration ,legal, medico-legal, counseling aspects in cooperation with other organizations working in this field. The families and women and children are assured full confidentiality and support .Not all cases are to reported to the police so their n involvement will only come when necessary.

Last but not least ,there is ample evidence that correct and timely intervention is essential in lessening the effects of trauma.

For further details contact Dr. Meher Zaidi 03132139804